Ash suffers stoppage loss in fourth outing
The dejection is etched on Pettigrew’s face at the end
BULGARIAN Nikolai Stonayov underlined his status as a dangerman last night by shredding Ash Pettigrew’s unbeaten record in spectacular fashion.
ON BCB’s Hangar, Wolverhampton, bill last night, the Stafford carpenter was chopped down in two minutes eight seconds.
Chasing his fourth straight win, light-middle Pettigrew (11st 1lb 4oz) was dropped heavily by a right uppercut-left hook, rose unsteadily and forced to the ropes.
Stonayov (10st 13lbs 7oz) opened up on his groggy opponent and a big right signalled the end, referee Peter McCormack calling a halt.
Some felt the stoppage premature. I am not among them. Ash was hurt and further concussive shots would’ve followed
“I know that wasn’t supposed to happen,” the beaming winner told me afterwards. “but I came here to win. I feel blessed. I can become a world champion.”
He’s right. It wasn’t supposed to happen.
Stonayov, lean and menacing, is rapidly becoming a card-carrying member of the “who needs ‘em?” club.
He’s now won four of 10, but, before halting Pettigrew, dropped prospect Khalid Ali on the way to losing a controversial decision.
He’s evidently heavy handed.
And how good does the hard fought six round decision Bloxwich’s Ryan Woolridge gained over Stonayov in April now look. Ryan – present at The Hangar last night – survived an early storm before taking over in the later rounds.
Woolridge told me back then: “He can punch.”
He wasn’t kidding.
Pettigrew, aged 25, paid the price for failing to show the Eastern European the respect needed early on. He elected to fight fire with fire and got burned. Ash got the better of exchanges and became too ambitious too early on.
On social media, Anthony Bailey, from Pettigrew’s team, posted: “Unfortunately, it wasn't our night last night.
“We were winning both rounds convincingly without taking any shots, but then, unfortunately, Ash got caught with an uppercut-hook.
“We knew his opponent was very, very dangerous, and this is, unfortunately, boxing and, more importantly, the pro game.
“We could argue the fact that Ash could have carried on and, knowing his as well as I do, I would say yes. However, I am no ref and the ref made the decision which I respect and my boy Ash goes home safely to fight another day.
“This has been the best I have seen Ash. He's dedicated and loves what he does. This is why when this happens, it hurts so much.
“We reflect, rebuild and respect the process.”
Very dignified words.